To enhance trust in digital banking and curb cyber fraud, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the launch of exclusive internet domains—’bank.in’ and ‘fin.in’—for Indian financial institutions. This initiative aims to tackle the increasing cyber threats, particularly phishing and other malicious activities that undermine the security of online transactions.
Highlighting the importance of secure digital banking, the RBI stated, “Increased instances of fraud in digital payments are a significant concern. To combat this, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is introducing the ‘bank.in’ exclusive internet domain for Indian banks. This initiative aims to reduce cybersecurity threats and malicious activities like phishing while streamlining secure financial services and enhancing trust in digital banking and payment services.”
The ‘bank.in’ domain will be exclusively available to Indian banks, providing them with a secure and easily identifiable online presence. This move is expected to facilitate safer financial transactions and boost customer confidence in digital banking.
The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) has been designated as the exclusive registrar for these domains, with registrations set to commence in April 2025. Additionally, the RBI plans to introduce ‘fin.in’ as a dedicated domain for non-banking financial entities, further strengthening cybersecurity measures across the financial sector.
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By introducing these dedicated domains, the RBI aims to help consumers easily identify legitimate financial service providers and reduce cyber fraud risks. Detailed guidelines for banks on adopting the new domains will be issued soon, ensuring a safer and more trustworthy digital ecosystem for banking and financial services in India.
